Duke, 65, will work with deal-makers who are focused on buying and investing in consumer products and retail companies at the firm in Washington, D.C., the Journal reported.

Duke said his relationship with David Rubenstein, Carlyle co-founder and co-CEO, led to his joining the firm, the Journal reported. They were part of the advisory board of the Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing.

Duke intends to provide strategic guidance through the investment process or the operating process, the Journal reported.

He will continue to be a member of Wal-Mart's board as the role of an operating executive is similar to that of a paid consultant, the report said.

Duke and representatives at Carlyle were not immediately available for comment.

(Reporting by Zara Mascarenhas in Bengaluru; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)